If the three all-star games last Saturday didn’t fill up your football fix, or if the Pro Bowl just won’t quite do it for you, then have no fear because this weekend it’s time for the Senior Bowl. The Senior Bowl is known to be the most prestigious of all the all-star games. This week the best of the best from the 2012 class have been going through drills, working through practices, and all in front of the watchful eyes of scouts, GM’s, and Head Coaches. To find out who has been standing out, who has been falling below expectations, and who has surprised some people by coming out of nowhere simply click here. We are tracking all the practice reports via BBD.
With this being the Senior Bowl we wanted to go above and beyond just our typical five prospect preview and double that to 10. So here are the ten players to watch in this weekend’s game;
Most Exciting Prospect: DE/LB Courtney Upshaw-Alabama
Let’s be clear despite a lot of spin Courtney Upshaw didn’t have a good weigh-in. He came in just a tick above 6’1 and with arms that were shorter than 32 inches. While this is getting technical it still matters. However when you pop the film in and watch Upshaw play you begin to see that he could be the exception to the rule. He’s got speed, he’s got power, and he hits with ferocity. It’s not often you find a player whose fun to watch just run drills, but this guy is it.
Most Intriguing: CB Brandon Boykin-UGA
Living in Atlanta, I’ve seen nearly every single one of Brandon Boykin’s games. He’s a good CB with tons of athletic ability and who will make some plays. However he’s never been quite the lock down style CB that he has been this week in Mobile, AL. He has shown that his smaller demeanor doesn’t matter to him in the least bit and that he is more than willing to mix it up and get physical. He has done a lot to raise his stock and made quite a few people wonder about how high he could go.
Best Prospect Coming In: DE Quinton Coples-UNC
He was the top dog coming in despite a below expectations seasons. How poor his season was has been somewhat overblown but he has shown this week there is absolutely no reason to worry about his game. Dominant doesn’t begin to describe the way Coples has been in 1 on 1 drills. He’s never going to be the explosive edge rusher many wanted him to be but his athleticism, size, and power are in a class of their own.
Most Overhyped: QB Kellen Moore, Boise State
I don’t like to write negatively about prospects for the most part. I will absolutely point out the flaws in their game but I don’t want to hammer any of these kids but Kellen Moore’s week has been just plain bad. He’s bouncing throws, not adjusting well to the reads, and just looks poor. It’s gotten so bad for Moore that CFL scouts have said they don’t want him because he can’t throw through the wind in Canada or deal with their wider field.
Most to Lose: WR Jeff Fuller, Texas A&M
Fuller came into this week with a chance to show he belonged in the discussion with guys like Floyd, Jones, and Wright as the top WR in this class. He has the size and speed to make an argument but hasn’t done a whole lot to help himself this week. He’s struggled to fight off press coverage and has looked fluid in his routes.
Most to Gain: WR Marvin Jones, Cal
While Fuller had a chance to put himself into the Top Tier, Jones was simply looking to get himself onto a tier and he has done that. Jones has firmly inserted himself into that second tier of WR prospects (that included Fuller) thanks to his smooth routes and acceleration out of his breaks. He’s getting good separation and has been a matchup nightmare.
Most Impressive: QB Brandon Weeden, Oklahoma State
Weeden was the top QB in this game for the get go and from Day 1 he showed everybody why that was the case. He’s shown the arm strength, the accuracy, and the understanding to make somebody draft him pretty high. His only negative this week? He’s still 28 years old.
Top Small School Prospect: CB Janoris Jenkins, UNA
Jenkins is the ex-UF prospect who got kicked off the team for repeatedly failing drug tests ended up down at Division II North Alabama. He got a Senior Bowl invite this year and has not disappointed. Jeff Fuller tried to school him on Day 1 and got a taste of what it would have been like to play in the SEC when Jenkins put the clamps on him in press coverage.
Favorite Prospect: RB Chris Rainey, Florida
I’m sorry but he may not be the biggest, strongest, or most highly rated prospect in this game but this guy can fly. He told media in Florence that he has already run a 4.23 40 and plan to run a 4.1 at the NFL combine next month. I’m not even sure that’s humanely possible but I’ll be damned if I’m not rooting for it. Also in his response to the question what can you bring to a NFL offense his answer was “Everything”. He’s my favorite and there is no point even arguing about it.
Prospect Who Has Come Out of Nowhere: CB Dwight Bentley, Louisiana-Lafayette
I have to admit that when I first saw this invite on the list even I was left scratching my head. The only reason I’m scratching my head now though is about how I possibly missed this kid. He has been all over the field making plays and has gotten the better of a number of WR’s this week that nobody expected him to beat.
The Senior Bowl will air on Saturday January 28th at 4pm on the NFL Network.
Follow Matt Elder on Twitter @MatthewCElder.
